Under observation: Muir's corellas. Photo: Peter TaylorVOLUNTEERS and landowners in the South West are being encouraged to take part in an important count of the Muir's corella (cacatua pastinator pastinator) next month.
Department of Parks and Wildlife recovery catchment officer Ian Wheeler said the survey on Wednesday would help to provide an accurate estimate of numbers of the cockatoo.
"While Muir's corella is no longer a threatened species, there remains a need for the department to monitor and manage populations," Mr Wheeler said.
"We are asking members of the public to help us count flocks of these birds and collect vital information on their behaviour and habitat.
"This information helps us to provide accurate estimates of current population size and its increasing distribution, which is then used to make decisions on how best to manage the species."
Muir's corella was removed from the threatened species list for WA in 2012 following successful conservation efforts. The species is confined to one population concentrated around Lake Muir, Boyup Brook, Perup River, Frankland and Rocky Gully areas.
People who would like to participate in the count are asked to meet at the Tonebridge Country Club at 3.30pm on Wednesday.
Survey teams will travel to locations where the birds are known to occur to begin the count. It is expected to be completed by 6.30pm and will be followed by a barbecue for all involved at Tonebridge Country Club.
"We are also calling on landowners who regularly see large flocks of Muir's corella on their property to have their properties included as a survey site," Mr Wheeler said.
Community members not actively involved in the count can expect to see survey teams counting birds from 5pm to 6.30pm.
To register interest or receive further information, contact Ian Wheeler on (08) 9771 7988 or ian.wheeler@dpaw.wa.gov.au.